Leading a HighQuest Forum

A forum is like a rope that is woven together with separate strands. Each component is a strand that gives strength to the whole. It is important that you use the whole rope during each forum. A forum will not be effective if strands are missing. The forum facilitator will need to govern when to move to the next component. The best way to keep moving is simply to ask the next operative question. Avoid letting one part dominate. This doesn’t mean you have to spend the same amount of time on each question. For example, some weeks critical issues raised in the group may cause you to spend more time on intercession. Allow the Holy Spirit freedom to lead the group but maintain cohesion and direction.

Forum Ground RulesIt is important to establish some simple yet critical guidelines for your forum. These basic ground rules will create the security and trust that men or women need if they are to become honest, vulnerable, and transparent. • I will commit to the group; making attendance to the weekly meeting a priority. • I will be willing to be transparent. • I will complete the assignment for the week and be ready to share with the group.Starting a ForumThe following ideas will help you get started in selecting men to join your HighQuest Forum. 1. Pray. Spend time seeking God and asking him:

to prepare your heart

to lead you regarding who to ask/recruit to your Forum

to prepare their hearts

During the season of prayer, write down the names of friends and acquaintances that are possibilities for your HighQuest Forum. 2. Identify. Make up a short list of men to recruit. Consider the following qualities as you review your possibilities:

A genuine heart for God and a desire to grow spiritually.

A willingness to be faithful, available, and teachable.

A sense that this person will fit into the "relational chemistry" of the group.

The day, time, and place to meet that works best for the group. 3. Review. Read through the HighQuest unit to become familiar with the content. Use a highlighter to mark key ideas that you want to communicate to the men in your Forum. 4. Inform. Inform the men about the High Quest Forum that you are planning to start. The following information is important to communicate.

HighQuest will consist of a group of 2-4 other like hearted men.

The content of the HighQuest unit being offered (life skill and life issue).

HighQuest will include individual preparation and a group Forum.

The Forum will meet regularly (usually weekly) for one hour.

The forum will last about 12 weeks.

5. Invite. Ask the men personally to participate. It has been said that "a personal Invitation, stands as a beacon of light in a sea of mass communication". Therefore, meet individually with each potential participant. Include in your invitation:

The benefits that he can expect from being in HighQuest.

The ways that the other men in the HighQuest Forum will benefit from his participation.

Give the invitation encouraging him to seek God's leading at this time. Always convey that either a yes or no answer is acceptable to you.